2016-05-03

SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

Darrell Wiley, President; John Gagnard, Vice-President; Freeman Ford, Chris LaCour, James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Lizzie Ned, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis.

Absent: None.

An Invocation was offered by Board Member Chris LaCour.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Board Member John Gagnard.

1. On motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, April 5, 2016, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

2. Board Member John Gagnard read a resolution of respect to the late Geraldine Barbin, retired teacher.

On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Geraldine Barbin. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for April, 2016. Mr. Dauzat presented a plaque to each student. Also, each Board member read a short biography detailing the accomplishments of each student.

The Students of the Month included: Kaylee Ferguson, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Kyle James, Cottonport Elementary School; Triston Dunbar, Lafargue Elementary School; Jacob Michot, Marksville Elementary School; Brylan St. Romain, Plaucheville Elementary School; Bryanna Mayberry, Riverside Elementary School; Jashawna Lockwood, Avoyelles High School; Cameron LeDoux, Bunkie New Tech High School; Sara Flynn, LaSAS; and Blake Daigrepont, Marksville High School.

On behalf of the Board, President Darrell Wiley commended the students on their accomplishments.

4. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, recognized the Teachers of the Month for February. Mrs. Prater presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:

Travis Armand, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Lauren Ducote, Cottonport Elementary School; Stephanie Bordelon, Lafargue Elementary School; Gertrude Milligan, Marksville Elementary School; Chrissie Jeansonne, Plaucheville Elementary School; Shawnta Scott, Riverside Elementary School; Katelyn Glorioso, Avoyelles High School; Jodie Dauzat, Bunkie New Tech High School; Robin Moreau, LaSAS; and James Deshautelle, Marksville High School.

On behalf of the Board, President Darrell Wiley commended the teachers on their achievements.

5. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Marksville High School Welding Team for placing second in the State.

6. Ms. Katie Vanderlick, Executive Director of YWCA, presented information on the “Girls on the Run” Program. This is a 10-week program for grades 3-8 which empowers young females emotionally and physically.

On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board granted approval to the YWCA to host the “Girls on the Run” Program in parish schools. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

7. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:

Finance Committee Report

April 19, 2016

The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

Van Kojis, Chairman; Freeman Ford, Chris LaCour, Darrell Wiley, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. John Gagnard was absent. Also present were James Gauthier, Lizzie Ned, and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor.

1. Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented the sales tax report for the month of March, 2016. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month of March totaled $578,993.29. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $496,330.69 and the 0.25% sales tax generated $82,662.60. .

2. Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Finance Committee recommended to approve requests for overnight travel as presented by Superintendent Dauzat. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

3. Mr. Tom Hudson of Norris Insurance Consultants presented insurance options for the next school year. The Finance Committee agreed to table this item.

4. Mrs. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, presented a report of the bid-opening committee on milk, bread, food service supplies and equipment, grease trap maintenance, and non-hazardous waste disposal.

Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended to accept the low bidders received for milk, bread, food service supplies and equipment, grease trap maintenance, and non-hazardous waste disposal. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

5. In Ms. Thelma Prater’s absence, Mr. Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent, presented a Needs Assessment Committee Report, as follows:

Needs Assessment Committee Report

Three Board Member Committee

March 15, 2016

The Needs Assessment Committee/Three Board Member Committee met on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. at the School Board Office, with the following members present:

Freeman Ford, Van Kojis, and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.

(1) Mrs. Mary Bonnette reviewed the 2015-2016 budget with the committee which provides for $106,073 for the year.

Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Needs Assessment Committee recommended to approve the 2015-2016 budget. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the Needs Assessment Committee recommended to approve Items 2 through 35 as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

(2) A request was submitted to the committee for Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy to purchase chairs and open front desks in the amount of $17,784, but the committee agreed to the amount of $10,000 from the Fix Cost Allocations funds.

Upon motion by Steve Marcotte and seconded by Blaine Dauzat, the committee recommended to purchase desks and chairs at BELA at a cost of $10,000. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order Number 177)

(3) The committee reviewed and discussed the requests submitted by Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Board Member, for BELA. The maintenance department is working toward a solution to all concerns. Many of the requests were completed.

(4) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Steve Marcotte, the committee denied the request to purchase interactive flat panel boards in the amount of $44,761.64 for Cottonport Elementary School.

(5) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Mary Bonnette, the committee recommended to purchase security cameras for Cottonport Elementary School in the amount of $7,395. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order Number 178)

(6) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Mary Bonnette, the committee recommended to purchase ceiling mounts for classroom Elmos for Cottonport Elementary School in the amount of $6,381. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order Number 195)

(7) A request was submitted for Lafargue Elementary School to purchase a server in the amount of $3,600. A motion was offered by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Mary Bonnette to deny the request.

(8) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Thelma Prater, the committee recommended to purchase security cameras at Lafargue Elementary School at a cost of $6,958. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order Number 179)

(9) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Thelma Prater, the committee recommended to purchase a fence at Lafargue Elementary School at a cost of $2,500. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order Number 180)

(10) A request was submitted for Lafargue Elementary School to purchase Chromebook Computers in the amount of $6,120.65. A motion was offered by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Mary Bonnette, to deny the request.

(11) A request was submitted for Marksville Elementary School to purchase a server in the amount of $3,600. A motion was offered by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Mary Bonnette, to deny the request.

(12) Upon motion by Thelma Prater, seconded by Mary Bonnette, the committee recommended to purchase phones at Marksville Elementary School to replace broken ones at a cost of $945. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order Number 181)

(13) Upon motion by Thelma Prater, seconded by Steve Marcotte, the committee recommended to purchase projectors for Marksville Elementary School at a cost of $2,082.25. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order Number 182)

(14) A request was submitted for Marksville Elementary School to purchase laptops in the amount of $3,558.60. A motion was offered by Thelma Prater, seconded by Steve Marcotte, to deny the request.

(15) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Thelma Prater, the committee recommended to purchase security cameras for Marksville Elementary School in the amount up to $13,935 and have Mr. Richard Robinson assess the site for placement. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order Number 183)

(16) A request was submitted for Plaucheville Elementary School to purchase stage curtains in the amount of $4,970. A motion was offered by Thelma Prater, seconded by Steve Marcotte, to deny the request.

Committee Member Mary Bonnette, from the prevailing side, revisited the denied item, and motioned to approve the request, seconded by Thelma Prater, to purchase stage curtains for Plaucheville Elementary School in the amount of $4,970. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order Number 193)

(17) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Mary Bonnette, the committee recommended to purchase an online library for Plaucheville Elementary School in the amount of $4,950.49. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order Number 184)

(18) A request was submitted for Plaucheville Elementary School to purchase a server in the amount of $3,600. A motion was offered by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Mary Bonnette to deny the request.

(19) A request was made for Plaucheville Elementary School to purchase Chromebook Computers in the amount of $6,120.65. A motion was offered by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Mary Bonnette to deny the request.

(20) A request was made for Plaucheville Elementary School to purchase blinds for the computer lab in the amount of $2,042.55. A motion was offered by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Mary Bonnette to deny the request because this is a temporary placement for the lab, which will be moved to a different location for school year 2016-2017.

(21) A request was made for Plaucheville Elementary School to purchase blinds for the front office in the amount of $453.95. A motion was offered by Mary Bonnette. The motion died for lack of a second. This item will be addressed by the maintenance department.

(22) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Mary Bonnette, the committee recommended to construct a partition to separate the entrance to the building up to the amount of $8,200 at Riverside Elementary School. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order Number 185)

(23) A request was submitted for Riverside Elementary School for ceiling mounts for projectors in the amount of $8,420.39, but the committee agreed to the amount of $6,381. A motion was offered by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Steve Marcotte, the committee recommended to purchase the ceiling mount at a cost of $6,381. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order Number 194)

(24) A request was submitted for Riverside Elementary School to purchase interactive flat panels in the amount of $48,830.88. A motion was offered by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Thelma Prater to deny the request.

(25) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Steve Marcotte, the committee recommended to purchase fencing for the football field at Avoyelles High School at a cost of $11,900. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order Number 186)

(26) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Steve Marcotte, the committee recommended to purchase fencing for the baseball field and softball field at Avoyelles High School at a cost of $4,900. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order Number 187)

(27) A request was made for Avoyelles High School to purchase the following:

(a) Gym Exit Doors $16,500

(b) Digital Marquee $21,000

(d) Classroom Cameras $4,600

(e) Basketball Scoreboard $8,900

(f) Catwalk

(g) Concession Repair $1,000

(h) Roof over Existing Slab $20,000

A motion was offered by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Steve Marcotte, to deny the requests.

(28) The committee reviewed and discussed the requests submitted by Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Board Member, for Bunkie New Tech High School. Mr. Steve Marcotte stated that all requests have been addressed.

(29) Upon motion by Steve Marcotte, seconded by Mary Bonnette, the committee recommended to purchase three (3) laptops and three (3) desktops at Bunkie New Tech High School at a cost of $5,005.68. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order Number 190)

(30) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Thelma Prater, the committee recommended to purchase security cameras for Bunkie New Tech High School in the amount of $5,727.25 (this amount includes one (1) extra camera which was requested by Richard Robinson to be placed in an area that will be requested by Principal Laura Hargis.) MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order Number 188)

(31) A request was submitted for Bunkie New Tech High School to purchase a server in the amount of $3,600. A motion was offered by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Mary Bonnette to deny the request.

(32) A request was submitted for Bunkie New Tech High School to purchase desks in the amount of $16,968, but the committee agreed to the amount of $10,000 from the Fix Cost Allocations funds. Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Mary Bonnette, the committee recommended to purchase desks for Bunkie New Tech High School at a cost of $10,000. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order Number 189)

(33) Upon motion by Steve Marcotte, seconded by Mary Bonnette, the committee recommended to purchase a fence at LaSAS at a cost of $1,800. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order Number 191)

(34) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Thelma Prater, the committee recommended to purchase security cameras for Marksville High School in the amount of $13,844.25. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order Number 192)

(35) A request was submitted for Marksville High School to purchase the following:

(a) Marquee

(b) Second driveway for the front of the school

(d) Lighting board for auditorium

(e) Paving the student and teacher parking lot

A motion was offered by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Mary Bonnette to deny the requests.

There being no further business, upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the meeting was adjourned.

Thelma Prater

Assistant Superintendent

Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Finance Committee recommended to accept the Needs Assessment Committee Report as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

6. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Finance Committee regarding a sales tax proposal. Superintendent Dauzat presented various proposals for distributing the proposed 1% sales tax, as follows:

Teachers $4000 $5000 $5500 $5500 $5500 $6000 $6500

Support $2000 $2500 $2000 $2500 $3000 $2200 $1000

Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Finance Committee recommended to distribute the proposed sales tax revenues to teachers at $6000 and support at $2200. The motion failed by the following tie vote: Ayes: Chris LaCour and Darrell Wiley. Nays: Van Kojis and Freeman Ford.

Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to distribute the proposed sales tax revenues, as follows: Teachers, $5500; Support, $2500. The motion was adopted by the following vote: Van Kojis, Darrell Wiley, Chris LaCour, and Freeman Ford.

7. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a proposed resolution for consideration with Capital One Bank, as follows:

RESOLUTION OF

AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD (“the Government Entity”)

Adopted On May 3, 2016

BE IT RESOLVED, that any one of the following individuals:

be and he or she is hereby authorized on behalf of this Government Entity, to negotiate credit accommodations and/or make a loan or loans to incur any amount of indebtedness, in addition to any outstanding indebtedness, from Capital One, National Association (the “Lender:), said indebtedness to be represented by a note or notes or other evidences of indebtedness made and executed by this Government Entity from time to time, for the amount or amounts to be extended by Lender to this Government Entity on forms drafted by the Lender for such amounts, and with such maturities, and with such interest, and on such other terms, conditions, and provisions as the above designated officer(s) of this Government Entity may deem necessary, advisable, and/or proper in his or her sole and uncontrolled discretion, and to sign, execute and endorse such other documents as may be necessary or required by the Lender to evidence or secure such indebtedness, including but not limited to any and all agreements, obligations, pledges, and/or other instruments necessary or required by the said Lender for its protection in its dealing with this Government Entity.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in order to secure all indebtedness of every kind, nature and character, whether now existing or hereafter arising, of this Government Entity to the Lender, the above designated individual(s) be and he or she is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to act on behalf of this Government Entity to mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise encumber any property now or hereafter belonging to the Government Entity, as security for the payment of any loans, obligations or any indebtedness that this Government Entity owes to the Lender. The above designated individual(s) have he right to mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or encumber all property, including, but not limited to all immovable (real) property and all personal (movable) property. The right to mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or encumber property of the Government Entity may be exercised when any loan is initially obtained, or at any other time or times, and may be in addition to or in substitution of any other property previously mortgaged, pledged, hypothecated or encumbered to the Lender.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the above designated individual(s) be and he or she is hereby authorized to execute and deliver one or more mortgages, collateral mortgages, security agreements or pledge agreements in favor of the Lender, Any mortgages, collateral mortgages, security agreements or pledge agreements may contain such terms, conditions and provisions as he or she may deem necessary, advisable, and/or proper in his or her uncontrolled discretion, confession of judgment, waivers of appraisal, waiver of the right to a jury trial, and waiver to any other rights and notices, all of which waivers are especially consented by this Board of Directors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that these resolutions are hereby ratified and approved, and will remain in full force and effect, said Lender is entitled to rely upon such resolutions, under Lender receives actual written notice of their revocation.

Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended to adopt the resolution with Capital One Bank. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

8. Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Finance Committee agreed to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing potential litigation. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Executive Committee recommended to allow the District Attorney’s office to offer the discussed amount in the settlement of possible litigation. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

Van Kojis, Chairman

Finance Committee

On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairman Kojis. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

8. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:

Education Committee Report

April 19, 2016

The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

James Gauthier, Chairman; Lizzie Ned, Michael Lacombe, Darrell Wiley, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. John Gagnard was absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Chris LaCour, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education; and Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education.

1. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Education Committee regarding the Board entering into an agreement with the Workforce Development Board.

Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Education Committee recommended to enter into a “Cooperative Agreement to Engage Out of School Youth” with the Workforce Development Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

2. Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, and Mrs. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, presented the 2016 Summer School proposal for the committee’s consideration.

Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Education Committee recommended to implement the 2016 Summer School Program as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

James Gauthier, Chairman

Education Committee

On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gauthier. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

9. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:

Building and Lands Committee Report

April 19, 2016

The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at 5:20 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

Michael Lacombe, Chairman; Van Kojis, James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Darrell Wiley, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Lizzie Ned, and Chris LaCour, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.

1. Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Van Kojis, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to add the lease of the home economics building at the former Mansura Middle School campus to the bid-opening report. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

2. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a bid-opening report on the sale of used vehicles.

Report of the Bid-Opening Committee

Sale of Used Vehicles

On Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at 1:30 p.m., a bid-opening committee met at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office for the purpose of receiving bids to sell used junk vehicles and for the leasing of the home economics building located on the former Mansura Middle School campus, located in Mansura, Louisiana.

Members of the committee were Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; John Gagnard, Board Member; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.

The committee acknowledged receipt of the following bids:

Used/Junk Vehicles

Rodney St.Romain, CCS142A176740 1972 Truck, $400.00; Glenn Ducote, Bus 153, $257.57; Glenn Ducote, Bus 157, $557.47; Glenn Ducote, Bus 166, $327.47; Glenn Ducote, 167, $327.47; Glenn Ducote, Bus 169; $527.47; Glenn Ducote, 178, $557.47; Glenn Ducote, Dodge Van, $257.47; and Glenn Ducote,CCS142A176740 1972 Truck, $327.47.

Lease of the Home Economics Building

Located on the Former Mansura Middle School Campus

Global Trucking Academy, LLC, Andrea Destin, $405 per month - two classrooms - one year with renewal.

Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to accept all bids for used vehicles as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by James Gauthier, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to accept the bid of Global Trucking Academy for the lease of the home economics building located on the former Mansura Middle School campus. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Building and Lands Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

Michael Lacombe, Chairman

Building and Lands Committee

On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

10. Mr. Chris LaCour, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:

Executive Committee Report

April 26, 2016

The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 26, 2016, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

Chris LaCour, Chairman; Freeman Ford, Lizzie Ned, John Gagnard, Darrell Wiley, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were James Gauthier and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; and Debbie Bubenzer, retired teacher.

1. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Executive Committee regarding the “Healthy Behaviors School District Partnership Grant” for the 2016-2017 school year through The Rapides Foundation.

Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Executive Committee recommended to grant permission for the Superintendent to apply for a “Healthy Behaviors School District Partnership Grant” for 2016-2017 through The Rapides Foundation. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat advised the Executive Committee that there is one (1) Corinne Saucier Scholarship available for a student in the public schools who will be attending Northwestern State University. Mr. Dauzat advised the committee that he was in receipt of three applications: One from Reginea’ Alexander, one from Phillip Augustine, and one from Michael Canal, all of whom are students at Avoyelles High School.

Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Executive Committee recommended to award the Corinne Saucier Scholarship to Phillip Augustine. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

3. Chairman Chris LaCour addressed the Executive Committee regarding an update report on the old Bordelonville High School and its current condition.

The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

Chris LaCour, Chairman

Executive Committee

On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman LaCour. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

11. Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Chairwoman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:

Bus Committee Report

April 26, 2016

The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 26, 2016, at 4:15 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

Lizzie Ned, Chairwoman; Chris LaCour, Darrell Wiley, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Michael Lacombe and Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas were absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, James Gauthier, John Gagnard, and Van Kojis, Board Members; and Brent Whiddon, Supervisor of Transportation.

1. Mr. Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, presented an update of bus incident reports.

The Bus Committee did not take any action on this matter.

The Bus Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

Lizzie Ned, Chairwoman

Bus Committee

On motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairwoman Ned. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

12. Mr. Chris LaCour, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee, presented the following report:

Report of the Ad Hoc Health Services Committee Meeting

April 26, 2016

The Avoyelles Parish School Board Ad Hoc Health Services Committee met Tuesday, April 26, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

Chairman/Board Member Chris LaCour, Lizzie Ned, and John Gagnard, Board Members; Superintendent Blaine Dauzat; Finance Director Mary Bonnette ; Licensed Clinical Social Worker Jenifer Ryan; School Nurses Christina Coco and Tammy Lacombe; Principals Marvin Hall and Wendy Adams; and Parents Jennifer Gautreaux and Candace Bachman. Special Education/Nursing Supervisor Karen Williams and Parent Melissa McClung were absent.

1. Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Ad Hoc Committee recommended to accept the minutes of the March 22, 2016 meeting. MOTION CARRIED.

2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat expressed that mental health remains a priority within the Avoyelles Parish public school system and encouraged the committee to address this issue alone initially.

Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by John Gagnard, the Ad Hoc Committee recommended to allow local agencies to provide mental health services to students of the Avoyelles Parish school system with parental consent as long as the vendor and its employees/contractors who provide the direct service maintain either of the following credentials:

(1) Licensed Clinical Social Worker

(2) Licensed Professional Counselor

No unlicensed persons with these agencies will be allowed to provide mental health services.

A minimum of one of the above-mentioned providers must be present a minimum of each entire school day in each of the designated areas:

(1) Marksville Elementary School, Marksville High School, Lafargue Elementary School (two providers to split these three schools)

(2) Riverside Elementary School, Plaucheville Elementary School (one provider)

(3) Cottonport Elementary School, LaSAS (one provider)

(4) Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy, Bunkie New Tech High School (one provider)

Excluded in the above is Avoyelles High School, which holds a hospital-sponsored health clinic.

The Superintendent agreed to present the policy to local vendors upon Board approval and bring information back to the committee. MOTION CARRIED.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Chris LaCour, Chairman/Board Member

On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Ad Hoc Committee Report as presented by Chairman LaCour. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

13. On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board granted permission to receive proposals for official journal of the Board for the period July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

14. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that a third party evaluation by The Ten Square Group was conducted regarding the charter application of Red River Charter Academy. He revealed that The Ten Square Group recommended to deny the charter application.

Ms. Stephanie Moreau, representative of Red River Charter Academy, gave the group’s response to the third party evaluator’s recommendation and pleaded with the Board to work together.

A motion was made by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, that the Board accept The Ten Square Group’s recommendation to deny Red River Charter Academy’s charter application.

The motion was adopted by the following vote:

Ayes: Van Kojis, Michael Lacombe, Freeman Ford, Chris LaCour, James Gauthier, Darrell Wiley, and John Gagnard.

Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas and Lizzie Ned.

15. President Darrell Wiley addressed the Board regarding the Superintendent’s Evaluation. He stated that the superintendent was rated by each board member on a 1-4 scale in seven different performance objectives. The Board found that Superintendent Blaine Dauzat is exceeding all expectations required of his job with a 3.65 overall score.

16. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented personnel changes for the Board’s review.

PERSONNEL CHANGES

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Resignation of Virginia Madrigal, food service technician, effective at the end of the day May 20, 2016, for the purpose of retirement.

LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Carolyn Dauzat, custodian, effective

June 15, 2016.

MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Renewal of an administrative contract for Shalonda Berry, Assistant Principal, effective July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018; Resignation of Gail Harvey, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 20, 2016; Resignation of Gertrude Milligan, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 20, 2016; and Resignation of Gail Dupuy, food service technician, effective at the end of the day May 20, 2016, for the purpose of retirement.

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Lyman E. Hayes, special education teacher, effective at the end of the day May 20, 2016.

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Martin Luke Hofkamp, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 20, 2016.

BUNKIE NEW TECH HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Jill Guidry, school secretary, effective at the end of the day April 5, 2016.

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Scarlet Scallan, Registered Nurse, effective at the end of the work day May 20, 2016, for the purpose of retirement; Resignation of Suzanne Compton Power, teacher, effective August 1, 2016; and Resignation of Jacob Power, teacher, effective August 1, 2016.

AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Rescinding resignation of Carolyn DeCuir, Purchase Order Clerk, effective April 21, 2016; and Renewal of an administrative contract for Luke Welch., SIS Coordinator, effective July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018.

ADDENDUM(S)

5/3/2016

RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Paul L. Arnouville, bus driver, effective May 21, 2016, for the purpose of retirement.

17. On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board agreed to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation (Holmes versus Avoyelles Parish School Board bearing Civil Action 12,721 on the docket of the Unites States District V Court for the Western District of Louisiana.) MOTION CARRIED.

On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board reconvened in open session at approximately 6:38 p.m.

A motion was made by Michael Lacombe, seconded by James Gauthier, that the Board instruct the District Attorney to offer to the counsel for Allen Holmes payment of Figure A, as discussed in Executive Session, as full settlement of reimbursable expenses, but no attorney’s fees.

The motion was adopted by the following vote:

Ayes: Michael Lacombe, James Gauthier, Chris LaCour, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, John Gagnard, Lizzie Ned, and Van Kojis.

Nays: Freeman Ford and Darrell Wiley.

18. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented an update report to the Board. He announced that LEAP testing is complete and went well throughout the school district. Mr. Dauzat further stated that the LEAP scores will be available in July. He credited Ms. Wendy Marchand, District Test Coordinator, and all staff for their hard work. He also mentioned that state monitors were here within that same week, and no issues were reported. Mr. Dauzat said that EOC testing is now ongoing in the high schools. These scores will be available by May 30. Also, he stated that online testing in social studies is coming up, but this is a test run only. High school graduation ceremonies will begin the week of May 16. Mr. Dauzat also announced that he is working on administrative assignments, shifting many in order to have strong teams at each school and balance out the administrators across the district.

There being no further business, on motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Van Kojis, the meeting was adjourned.

AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Darrell Wiley, President

Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer